In an open letter, he wrote: "The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."

After being named Newsmaker of the Year in OUT magazine, the 41-year-old stated that his determination lies in his survival and telling his tale should act as an inspiration to others in a similar position.

He said: "What I would say to that younger self — what I’d say to anyone who’s walked a similar road — is to focus less on the fact that you nearly ended your life and more on the fact that you survived, that you lived to tell the tale. And then tell it."

He also added: "I'd say, ''What you think of as scars are medals. They're badges of honour, testifying to something inside you that is determined and tenacious and enduring.'"